Pune: Neighbourhoods, schools, markets and public spaces across the city will mark Republic Day, the anniversary of the Constitution, in ways that are both familiar and evolving.In housing societies, the day will begin with flag-unfurling ceremonies, followed by the national anthem and community programmes. Residents plan to gather in courtyards and parking areas to sing patriotic songs, perform cultural programmes and dances. The atmosphere will remain formal yet personal, shaped more by routine than spectacle.Srijan Chatterjee, a resident of Kondhwa, said, “Some residents of my society start practising a repertoire of patriotic songs a week before Republic Day. Some senior residents help them and sing a few solos. There is an 87-year-old resident who sings Ae Mere Watan without fail every year, and we all look forward to listening to her.”In schools, Republic Day will carry a stronger institutional focus. Under the Nation First initiative announced by education commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, private schools across Pune will participate in a state-level drill march set to patriotic songs. The programme will emphasise discipline and physical fitness, with synchronised drills being conducted alongside flag unfurling and assemblies.Meanwhile, the run-up to Jan 26 is proving profitable for street vendors selling tricolour merchandise. Balloons, streamers and decorative items are appearing across schools, malls, shops and housing clusters. Vendors are reporting a shift in buying patterns this year, with demand for paper flags declining.“Many societies and organisers are asking for metal lapel pins in bulk instead of paper flags to distribute among attendees. They say it is more respectful and sustainable. Even for children, people prefer pins or badges now,” said Rakesh Chowdhury, a shopkeeper in Shivajinagar.Beyond flags and parades, the day is also used to foreground constitutional values through public cultural initiatives such as Art Mandai at Mahatma Phule Mandai. The exhibition, held annually on Jan 26 from 9am to 2pm, places art within a functioning public market. In its 10th edition, the event features works by local artists themed “The Beauty in Everyday Things,” aligning with the spirit of Republic Day by celebrating ordinary lives and shared civic spaces. All artworks are priced below Rs 3,000, with proceeds supporting charitable causes.For many residents, Republic Day is also an occasion to eat out. Restaurants across the city are offering themed menus, discounts and tricolour-inspired dishes, adding a festive element to familiar food and encouraging social media sharing.“It is a small indulgence, but there is something enjoyable about the little whimsy of tricolour-themed dishes. It is largely familiar food, but with an added sense of occasion that makes the day feel festive and lends itself to photographs people like to share on their social media,” said Shreya Makhija, a resident of Bund Garden Road.The long weekend also nudged many residents out of the city for a quick getaway.According to Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, “The appetite for weekend travel remains strong, with the extended Republic Day weekend presenting an opportunity for travel. There is a preference for nearby destinations, evident in the top travel choices from each metro. Goa remains the favourite leisure destination within India. Internationally, the skew towards easy visa destinations continues to gain traction. Countries with direct connectivity to multiple cities are leading demand, with Thailand at the forefront and Vietnam also performing strongly.”
